02-28-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 28, 2007 Rick Dehn, Dehn Diversified Development, appeared before the Council reporting that he would like to upgrade the price sign at the Sinclair Station on Little Canada Road. This sign would be brought into compliance with the City's sign ordinances. The sign would be modernized in appearance, have an electronic price display, and would be lowered to 16 feet in height which complies with the ordinance. Dehn noted the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting relative to the high rise pylon along the freeway. While the Planning Commission recommended denial of the variance for this sign, they recommended the sign be refaced to bring it closer into conformance with the City's Code. Dehn reported that he obtained pricing for the reface of this sign, and the cost would be $8,000. Dehn noted that he just purchased the property, and would like to have some time to evaluate whether or not this sign adds any value to the business. Dehn indicated that he did not want to spend $8,000 on refacing the sign to later find out that it does not attract business. Dehn also reported that he is trying to obtain freeway signage, and that signage may provide more value to his business than the high rise sign. Blesener noted that the sign ordinance allows one pylon for this property. Blesener suggested allowing the upgrades to the Little Canada Road pylon and allowing the high rise sign to remain for a period of six months. Keis questioned the visibility of the high rise sign. Dehn reported that the high rise sign is visible to freeway traffic coming from the north, but not coming from the south. Keis felt a freeway sign would be more effective than this high rise sign. Keis stated that he would prefer to see the high rise sign eliminated. Blesener suggested eliminating the high rise sign and moving the Little Canada Road pylon to the freeway side of the property. Dehn stated that he needed the Little Canada Road pylon in its present location to atttact the bulk of his customers which he felt came from traffic on Little Canada Road. Keis felt that allowing Sinclair to have two pylon signs gave them a competitive advantage over other businesses. Dehn noted that the non- conformities only come up since he is proposing to make improvements to the property. Keis agreed, pointing out that this is the City's chance to get the property into conformance. McGraw asked Dehn's plans for the high rise sign if he determines that it is an asset to the business. Dehn replied that he would reface it at that time, which would bring the sign into conformity with the City's Architectural Guidelines. The refacing would have a dark background with light lettering. Keis noted that the City would be left with a non- 2